How to Get Rid of Pimples on Your Chest
Photos Courtesy of Retailers
Breakouts are one of the great biological injustices. They can be caused by a laundry list of factors: stress, hormones, diet, existing. Most of us have dealt with breakouts on our faces at some point in our lives (and if you haven't, then I hate you). But what do you do when you notice zits on your chest, besides scream "WTF" in the mirror? Turns out, chest acne is common and usually caused by things that we generally agree are good for us (like exercise). So what do you do to get rid of it?
According to dermatologist Terrence Keaney, M.D., the first step is understanding that those pimples may not actually be acne. "True, chest acne is common in teenagers when there is an influx of sex hormones during puberty," he says. "Usually acne goes away by age 25 for men." What you're seeing on your chest could actually be folliculitis, an inflammation of hair follicles caused by an overgrowth of bacteria. "Folliculitis is a relationship between sweating, bacteria and the body's inflammatory response," says Dr. Keaney. This means that more sweat leads to more bacteria, which leads to inflammation, which leads to pimples.
That's not to say that chest zits can't be true acne or something else like ingrown hairs for that matter. Pimples kind of look the same, regardless of what causes them. However, how you treat them may be different based on what the underlying cause is. The best way to figure this out is to visit a dermatologist, especially if you try one of these treatments and it doesn't help. Unless you have facial acne or struggle with acne on other parts of your body, start by the assumption that your chest acne is folliculitis and go from there. Here's what to do.
Hibiclens Antimicrobial/Antiseptic Skin Cleanser
Since folliculitis is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria, the first step is controlling it. "Use cleansers that minimize the growth of that bacteria," says Dr. Keaney. He recommends Hibiclens, which is what surgeons use to wash up before surgery. "It's broad spectrum and so effective that you don't have to use it every day," he says.
Dove Men+Care Body Wash
The downside of antibacterial washes is that they can be drying. Dr. Keaney suggests alternating the use of an antibacterial wash with a gentle, moisturizing wash to make sure your skin is well-hydrated. "People think they have to be overly aggressive with washing, but it's a balance between reducing bacteria and drying out the skin," he says.
Nivea Men Active Clean Body Wash
A body wash that contains charcoal can help as well. "Charcoal can have an anti-inflammatory property and can help soak up sweat and oil that feed the bacteria," says Dr. Keaney. It can also be drying to the skin, though, so be careful to choose one that also contains moisturizing ingredients especially if combining it with an antibacterial wash.
Nike Dri-FIT Cotton 2.0 Tee
Folliculitis on the chest is commonly found on active guys since the bacteria that causes it feed off of sweat. "Wear clothing like a breathable shirt that allows for passage of air," says Dr. Keaney, especially when you're working out. "You want to allow some of the sweat to evaporate so it's not just sitting on the skin."
Bravo Sierra Antibacterial Body Wipes
"Always shower off after you work out so you're not walking around with a sweaty chest all day," says Dr. Keaney. But if you're in a rush, at least use a cleansing wipe to control sweat buildup until you can take a real shower.
Cortizone-10 Cream
Since chest pimples aren't usually true acne, you can use a spot treatment, just not the same ones you use on your face. Avoid drying ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide and instead opt for a hydrocortisone cream. "Drying agents can irritate folliculitis more and make it more red," says Dr. Keaney. "You want to calm it down and address the inflammation instead."
Philips Norelco Bodygroomer
"If you have a lot of chest breakouts, hold off on shaving or waxing your chest," says Dr. Keaney. Both can cause irritation on the skin that can make inflammation worse. Instead try using an electric clipper to trim your hair instead of shaving it.
Philips Norelco OneBlade Face + Body Hybrid Electric Trimmer and Shaver
If you insist on shaving, Dr. Keaney advises to always do it in or right after a shower, when hair is softest and easiest to cut, and never use a multi-blade razor. Instead opt for a single blade or electric razor.
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Use a gentle, non-comedogenic body moisturizer (meaning that it won't clog pores and cause bumps). It's especially important if you are still manscaping, since "a moisturizer can help cover and heal the microfissures in the skin that can occur when shaving," says Dr. Keaney.
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment
If your chest breakouts are in fact acne, like if you're under 25 and struggling with acne breakouts on other parts of your body, the same ingredients (like retinoids) that work on your face can work on your body. It actually might be even better on your chest. "The chest, shoulders and back are less prone to irritation than the face," says Dr. Keaney. "Retinoids can be drying on the face but very effective on the body to help with true acne breakouts."
CLn BodyWash
The active ingredient in this body wash, sodium hypochlorite, is similar to diluted bleach, which dermatologists regularly recommend to clear surface skin of bacteria. The same idea goes into this wash, but it's way easier to use (and suitable for daily use without drying or damaging your skin). Use it after a workout to ensure bacteria doesn't stick around and feed off sweat.
Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash
Neutrogena amazon.com
$10.16
If the pimples on your chest are actual acne and not folliculitis (visiting a dermatologist like Dr. Keaney can help solve the mystery), then traditional acne-fighting ingredients can help. This body wash contains salicylic acid, an acne-busting hero, to help gently clear pores to prevent buildup and breakouts.
Bevel 2-in-1 Spot Fader by Bevel
Not to complicate the issue, but if you regularly shave your chest, the bumps you may see could be ingrown hairs. A good indication is whether it looks like there is a tiny hair caught in the middle of the raised bump. Using a spot treatment like this can help gently release the hair and clear it's way through the skin (and smoothing the bump out in the process).
Garrett Munce Garrett Munce writes about men's style and grooming.
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How to Get Rid of Pimples on Your Chest
Source: https://www.menshealth.com/grooming/g25889271/how-to-get-rid-of-chest-acne/